Coming out of hibernation. Hope everyone is doing well. Is NTCRY Ben still alive? (the only legend I've met in person)

Trying to figure out a better set up for my 3 year old (will be his fifth trip this coming June before his 4th birthday) He used to lay in the bow (now occupied by my 16 month old), so he squatted in front of me in the stern cockpit. We eventually put him on the bear vault between my legs, but that skidded around too much on the bottom of the canoe. He would also fall asleep and I would need to keep him propped up with my knees. I recall solo canoes having a kneeling foam seat pad, but see that is epoxied in. I came across these "kneeling saddles" that I'm not certain how they even attach, whether to a epoxy D ring tie out, or just rubber surface area with static friction....

Anyone ever use these? Have one laying around you don't want? Kneeling Saddle

I think I could make something like this, but sometimes its easier to just buy.

Don't have experience with the saddle, but what worked for us between ages 2 and 6 was a rolled foam pad (in front or behind the bow seat), that doubled as a sleeping pad at nights. It's comfy enough to sleep on in the boat as well, without being unrolled. Two elastic loops keep the roll together and are easy to attach to a pack on portages.

THEGrandRapids: "
Anyone ever use these? Have one laying around you don't want? Kneeling Saddle

I think I could make something like this, but sometimes its easier to just buy. "

I solo a 16' nova craft prospector sometimes (with and w/o small kids along) and made something similar so I could kneel and move it around based on loads. I used interlocking play mats I bought at sams club. I cut them into pieces of the same width and different lengths and sandwiched them together so that they had the shape I wanted. Then connected them with construction adhesive. I normally put down construction knee pads to kneel on. I've ran/played around in some class 1 and 2 that way and never had any problems with it shifting. Looking at that stingray review a connected kneeling pad and a pool noodle ankle support are fantastic upgrades I am going to consider. I dont have any pics on hand but could get a couple pretty easy if you are interested.